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Campbells' dad vows to keep mum

Laine Clark

A piece of paper in a sock drawer has become almost as precious as the world championships team sheet for Australian swimming's Campbell sisters.

Cate and Bronte Campbell achieved a long-held dream at the national titles in Adelaide by earning selection together for July's world championships in Barcelona.

But that's not the only reason they are breathing much easier.

After being embarrassed by their father Eric's exuberant utterings at last year's national titles, aspiring lawyer Bronte Campbell did her best to ensure there was no repeat by drawing up a contract.

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"Bronte made him sign it. It says something like 'to the best of my ability I will not embarrass my daughters on national television'," Cate Campbell said on Thursday.

"She left a small margin of error by writing to the best of his ability.

"But it is signed and it sits in her sock drawer. He's sworn off any interviews for the time being."

That may provide relief for the Campbell sisters but disappointment for media at the national titles in Adelaide.

Last year an ecstatic Eric Campbell hijacked the televised media conference after his daughters earned London Games selection, becoming swimming's first Australian Olympian siblings in 40 years.

"We had to keep saying to ourselves that it's not over 'til the fat lady sings and Colette Rickard (Olympic breaststroker Brenton Rickard's mother) was behind me and she was the fat lady and she was singing out 1-2 - I mean that in the best way and Colette will know that," Eric said of their 50m freestyle finish.

On and on he went, as his daughters thrust their red faces in their hands.

Cate Campbell on Thursday said their parents had promised to remain in hometown Brisbane for the nationals this year.

Still, some would not have been surprised by a flying visit from Eric after the Campbells' heroics in Adelaide.

The sisters booked 100m freestyle individual and relay team spots together for Spain on Wednesday night.

Cate Campbell, 20, clocked a time that would have claimed 2012 Olympic gold (52.92 seconds) to ensure her maiden 100m national title.

And Bronte, 18, was second (53.85) in a field boasting six Olympic gold medallists.

They impressed again in the 50m freestyle - Cate (24.78) and Bronte (24.95) were fastest in Thursday's heats.

In other heat results, Leiston Pickett (31.37) was fastest in the women's 50m breaststroke, Daniel Arnamnart (25.45) in the men's 50m backstroke and Jordan Harrison (15:29.52) in the men's 1,500m freestyle.